• Penric’s Demon

  • A Fantasy Novella in the World of the Five Gods
  • By: Lois McMaster Bujold
  • Narrated by: Grover Gardner
  • Length: 4 hrs and 2 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,115 ratings)

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Penric’s Demon  By  cover art

Penric’s Demon

By: Lois McMaster Bujold
Narrated by: Grover Gardner
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Publisher's summary

On his way to his betrothal, young Lord Penric comes upon a riding accident with an elderly lady on the ground, her maidservant and guardsmen distraught. As he approaches to help, he discovers that the lady is a Temple divine, servant to the five gods of this world. Her avowed god is the Bastard, "master of all disasters out of season", and with her dying breath she bequeaths her mysterious powers to Penric. From that moment on, Penric's life is irreversibly changed, and his life is in danger from those who envy or fear him.

Set in the fantasy world of the author's acclaimed novels The Curse of Chalion, Paladin of Souls, and The Hallowed Hunt, this novella has the depth of characterization and emotional complexity that distinguishes Bujold's work.

©2016 Lois McMaster Bujold (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

What listeners say about Penric’s Demon

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A Kinder, Gentler Demon

This brief tale is an enjoyable listen if you're a fan of Lois McMaster Bujold's wonderful character-driven fantasy, and if you've already read her magnificent "Curse of Chalion."

"Penric's Demon" takes place in the same world as "Chalion"--the World of the Five Gods--although it's set 100 years earlier and in a different country. And in this time and place, the world seems less dark, the gods more benevolent, and the demons less destructive than in "Chalion." Penric, the rather naive younger son of a minor noble family in the sheep-herding, cheese-producing hinterlands, is on his way to his betrothal ceremony when he stops to help a dying old woman. But no good deed goes unpunished. The dying woman is a "learned divine" (priestess) and (oops!) a sorceress, so instead of becoming betrothed, Penric winds up hosting the dead divine's demon, "Desdemona." Grover Gardner, is, as always, a terrific narrator.

To sneak in a review of another book, I strongly suggest reading "The Curse of Chalion" before "Penric" (or any other Five Gods tale). The spellbinding magic and theology of this world is much better served by the slow, subtle, and magnificent unfolding of its mysteries in "Chalion" (and its sequel, "Paladin of Souls") than by the balder and more straightforward presentation in this prequel novella. In fact, Penric inspired me to listen to "Curse of Chalion" again--I first read it two years ago--and I've been even more impressed the second time around. That's saying something, since I was blown away the first time. "Chalion" recently made both Amazon's and Goodreads' "Top 100 SF/Fantasy Reads," and deservedly so; I'd put it in the top 25. It's a superb, beautiful tale of heartbreak and courage, suffering and magic, betrayal and redemption.

I'm not sure whether I heard correctly, and I don't have the printed books to check, but to me Penric's family name sounded suspiciously similar to the family name of two of the major characters in "Curse of Chalion." Makes me wonder if Bujold might have a "bridge" book in the works. Anything she publishes is cause for celebration, so that or any other book from her would be good news!

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18 people found this helpful

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Great story telling

Since I'd read/listened to the other books in LMB's World of the Five Gods, I looked forward to this new book. It did not disappoint. It stands alone, in that the characters and events are wholly set apart from the others. That being said, having been introduced to this system of gods in prior books, I think it was easier to fall into the pace of the tale. I think the God called the Bastard might be LMB's favorite to work with, since that is the god over disasters, catastrophes, and events that happen out of time. More scope for the imagination, as Anne Shirley might say.

Penric is a young man on his way to his betrothal ceremony. Obviously things happen to change his course, and his life. While he is a country bumpkin of sorts, he isn't stupid, and learns quickly that there are benefits to his changed circumstances, and dangers as well. The events take place pretty quickly, making this tale a perfect length to read between other books.

Grover Gardner narrates the story with the mastery he has shown in LMB's Vorkorsigan books. He is the perfect voice for Penric.

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10 people found this helpful

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Sweet New Hero

I love this book. I've listened to the audio twice. I surely hope that Ms. McMaster Bujold will consider sequels. There are lots of opportunities for growth, adventure and fun!

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Lois where have you been?

She can't write them fast enough. Always a treat! Waiting for the next with great eagerness.

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Hope there's more from Pen and his Ladies

I can see is turning into an absolutely amazing series. all the awesome story elements that I have come to expect. I'll be so sad if I don't hear more.

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More on Demons and their sorcerers

This is a novella set in the 'Chalion' universe, and though it could be read as a stand-alone, I would recommend reading 'The Curse of Chalion' and 'Paladin of Souls' first to get an understanding of the Five Gods and demons in general.
LMB has actually presented us with a continuum of demon 'possession'. The Curse of Chalion covered a most horrific case of demonic manifestation, an encapsulation of the Death Demon in a still-living person. Paladin of Souls presented several examples of sorcerers, people who have a demon within, with varying degrees of control depending on the age and experience of both parties. We are told that eventually the demon always obtains the upper hand, yet one of the characters appears to form a partnership of equals with a young inexperienced demon. In this story, a young man unwittingly obtains an aged and very experienced demon, and proceeds to try and form just such a partnership with it.
I loved the first two Chalion novels, and I enjoyed this novella as well. Grover Gardner does a great job with the narration.

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I love this series!

Lois McMaster Bujold is my favorite author goddess, and Grover Gardener has a fine crisp delivery I enjoy. Penric and Desdemona's adventures are always good fun, and the world of the Five Gods is a fascinating place I never tire of.

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wonderful

I'm hoping this turns into a teaser taste of a new full novel. great characters with the possibility of so many adventures. But still wonderful on its own.

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Another exciting and captivating story from Bujold

Enjoyable read for all ages! I hope to see an exciting sequel to this story soon.

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McMaster-Bujold and Gardner make a great team<br />

I always look forward to Ms. McMaster-Bujold's often thought-provoking ideas . Loved it!

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